Beth Sears is a freelance writer and grows small fruits, vegetables and herbs in her Midwestern garden.<\/p>\n
A must-have herb, rosemary<\/u><\/a><\/strong> (Rosmarinus officinalis<\/em>) is a perennial evergreen shrub with very aromatic foliage that perfumes the summer air. The herb is a culinary favorite for seasoning lamb, poultry, soups and stews. When dried, it\u2019s often added to sachets and potpourri and used in teas. Some believe it enhances the memory.<\/p>\n A native of the Mediterranean region, rosemary is winter hardy in zones 8-10, where it grows into a 3-6 ft., ornamental woody shrub with needle-like, gray-green leaves and blue flowers. In zones 7 and colder, it reaches 2-3 ft. tall and can be grown as an annual or grown in a pot and brought indoors during the winter months. When growing indoors, make sure it gets plenty of light, or use a grow light. Rosemary performs best in full sun and well-drained sandy soils that are medium to dry.<\/p>\n Below are more tips for planting and harvesting this easy-to-grow herb.<\/p>\n While rosemary can be grown from seed, germination rates are low. Most gardeners either propagate rosemary from cuttings, or they buy small plants and transplant them to the garden.<\/p>\n If propagating from cuttings, cut stems and strip the leaves on the bottom of the cutting. Cuttings can be placed in peat moss and kept moist until roots have developed.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how to plant rosemary:<\/p>\n This Mediterranean native prefers lots of sun\u2014at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, warm temperatures and humid conditions. Rosemary grows best in well-drained soils and is drought tolerant, once established. Make sure it also receives plenty of air circulation.<\/p>\n Replicating these growing conditions indoors can be a challenge. When growing indoors, make sure the rosemary plant receives plenty of light, or use a grow light. Avoid placing the plant in areas that are drafty. Make sure the container you use has good drainage and avoid overwatering. Terra cotta pots are ideal because they allow the soil to dry out more quickly.<\/p>\n When pruning or harvesting rosemary, take no more than one-third of the plant. This allows for regrowth.<\/p>\n Use scissors, pruning shears or a sharp knife to harvest rosemary. Make the cuts right above a pair of leaves. For the best taste, harvest the young stems and leaves. Never take more than one-third of the plant during a harvest.<\/p>\n Rosemary is easy to dry. Cut the stems and tie several stems together with twine or rubber bands. Hang the stems in a dry, dark, well-ventilated room for 10 days. Rosemary can also be oven-dried or dried in a dehydrator. After dried, rosemary can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature. For the best flavor, use dried rosemary within a year.<\/p>\n Rosemary can be harvested when the plant\u2019s roots are established, and it is actively growing. In Southern areas where rosemary grows year-round, it can be harvested in the spring. If you plant young rosemary plants in the garden in the spring, wait until summer to harvest it. Stop harvesting in the fall, about two weeks before the frost date.<\/p>\n Fresh rosemary can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. Dried rosemary can be stored in airtight containers. Rosemary can also be frozen.<\/p>\n Rosemary can also be infused in olive oil and stored in the refrigerator for up to three months. When infused with vinegar, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six months.<\/p>\n Rosemary has a distinctive, piney taste and has many culinary uses. It pairs well with lamb, pork, chicken, potatoes, soups and sauces\u2014or it can be blended with other herbs for salads and seasoning. Infusing olive oil and vinegars with rosemary is a great way to season foods. For a wonderful flavor sensation, mix with other herbs and butter for herbed butter. When the sprigs are left whole, rosemary makes an attractive garnish. Some say rosemary tea boosts the memory. Here\u2019s how to make your own herbal tea<\/u><\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n Because the leaves are very aromatic, rosemary sprigs can be used in fresh floral bouquets or in sachets.<\/p>\n In the garden, rosemary is excellent for ornamental plantings. These low-growing shrubs can be planted along walkways or grown in groups as a low hedge.<\/p>\n With its many culinary uses, aromatic foliage and good looks, rosemary is an herb worth growing in the sunny garden or containers. Gurney\u2019s offers both herb seeds and plants<\/u><\/strong><\/a> for sale.\u00a0Order yours today and start growing rosemary in your sunny garden.<\/p>\n Beth Sears is a freelance writer and grows small fruits, vegetables and herbs in her Midwestern garden. Growing Rosemary A…<\/p>\nHow to Plant Rosemary<\/h2>\n
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Best Rosemary Growing Conditions<\/h2>\n
How to Harvest Rosemary<\/h2>\n
When to Harvest Rosemary<\/h3>\n
How to Store Rosemary<\/h3>\n
How to Use Rosemary<\/h2>\n
Rosemary FAQs<\/h2>\n
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\nRosemary performs best in full sun, or at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It likes afternoon sun.<\/em><\/li>\n
\nWhen grown in zones 8-10, rosemary can grow 5 ft. tall. In zones 7 and cooler, it typically grows 2-3 ft. tall.<\/em><\/li>\n
\nWhile rosemary is slow to germinate and to get established, it grows well in warm temperatures and after its roots are established.<\/em><\/li>\n
\nRosemary is a great addition to herb gardens and sun-filled flower gardens. In the vegetable garden, it\u2019s often planted near broccoli, cabbage, and other members of the cabbage family because it repels some insect pests.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"